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The New MINI Roadster….

BMW has issued the following Press Release detailing the new MINI Roadster range:-

“The critically acclaimed MINI family is expanding again. Hot on the wheels of the stunning Coupé comes the launch of the sixth unique model in the line-up, the eagerly anticipated and all-new MINI Roadster.

MINI continues to rewrite the rulebook; this is the first open-topped two-seater in the company’s history. The cutting-edge design is typically MINI – an authentic re-interpretation of a classic motoring concept. This latest model offers the fun of driving a taut-handling roadster, with all the character of MINI. And being built at Plant Oxford means it can justifiably claim to be a spiritual successor to the traditional British roadsters of old.

The semi-automatic operation of the tailored soft-top roof means rapid opening and closing, and it doesn’t affect the MINI Roadster’s practicality in any way. This is a versatile two-seater with a stowage area behind the driver and passenger seats, generous 240-litre luggage area and through-loading system.

The MINI Roadster is the first premium model of its kind in the small car segment, offering buyers a unique package that will bring the joy of MINI ownership to a passionate and demanding group of new customers.

Selling alongside the Hatch, Convertible, Clubman, Countryman and Coupé, the MINI Roadster will arrive in UK showrooms next spring. As with the recently launched MINI Coupé, all variants of the MINI Roadster carry the Cooper name in their model titles. Full details of standard and optional equipment on each will be released nearer the launch. A wide range of accessories and personalisation choices will be available.

Model

Price

OTR

CO2

(g/km)

MPG

(Combined)

Power

(hp)

Top Speed

(mph)

Insurance

Group

MINI Cooper Roadster

£18,020

133

49.6

122

124

19E

MINI Cooper S Roadster

£20,905

139

47.1

184

141

32E

MINI Cooper SD Roadster

£21,630

118

62.8

143

132

24E

MINI John Cooper Works Roadster

£24,860

169

38.7

211

147

37E

Unique but familiar styling

The MINI Roadster is true to the brand’s existing design language, but sculpted to the classic proportions of a roadster. With an exterior length of 3,734 mm (see panel below for model variations), a width of 1,683 mm and a wheelbase of 2,467 mm, the MINI Roadster’s footprint closely mirrors that of the MINI Convertible. However, the elegant roofline is more than 20 mm lower than its four-seater sibling, allowing the Roadster to cut a distinctive, low-slung and visually stretched stance.

Designed around a traditional three-box body structure, the car’s silhouette is dominated by the heavily raked A-pillars, angled backwards by an extra 13 degrees over the MINI Convertible. The waistline rises gently along the car’s length towards the strikingly stepped rear end.

Key to the MINI Roadster’s appeal to buyers is its unique canvas roof. The tailored soft-top offers robust, all-season durability with an easy opening and closing semi-automatic operation as part of the standard specification. When opened, the roof folds down flat behind the seats, keeping the car’s elegant lines intact. And since the outer skin of the roof faces upwards, there is no need for any additional cover.

MINI enthusiasts will immediately recognise the interior of the Roadster. All the trademark features – including the much-loved large central circular speedo, the rev counter behind the steering wheel and the toggle switches – are present in the two-seater cabin. The package includes sports seats fitted as standard in the MINI Cooper S Roadster, MINI Cooper SD Roadster and MINI John Cooper Works Roadster, which provide outstanding lateral support during cornering.

Two-seater roadsters have a tendency to lack practicality but that’s not the case with the MINI Roadster. It has a 240 litres of luggage space, plus the high-opening tailgate, low boot sill and ski hatch make for simple loading. The MINI Roadster also comes with large door bins, three cupholders, and a cross-rack behind the seats.

Powerful and fuel-efficient engines

Power for the MINI Roadster comes from the latest generation of fuel-efficient BMW Group four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines. Outputs range from 90 kW/122 hp in the MINI Cooper Roadster to 155 kW/211 hp in the highly desirable flagship MINI John Cooper Works Roadster. MINI’s performance diesel engine, the 105 kW/143 hp Cooper SD launched earlier this year, is also available and the line-up is completed with the Cooper S which offers 135kW/184 hp.

Fuel economy stretches from 38.7mpg to 62.8mpg, while CO2 emissions are as low as just 118g/km on the Cooper SD. Even the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster emits only 169g/km. A full technical breakdown for each model is given below.

Classic Roadster dynamics with advanced technology

Vital to getting the best from the powerful engines and customary front-wheel drive transmission is MINI’s outstanding chassis technology. It pushes the brand’s hallmark driving fun to the fore, with a ‘go-kart’ feeling that’s agile, precise and stable. The canvas roof means a lowered centre of gravity, while bodyshell stiffening has increased torsional rigidity. The suspension is comprised of MacPherson struts at the front axle and a multi-link rear axle. Sports suspension, which brings stiffer damper characteristics, sturdier anti-roll bars and upgraded springs, is available as an option.

Optimised aerodynamics also play a role. The heavily raked A-pillars and windscreen reduce the frontal area of the body and therefore cut levels of drag. Like the MINI Coupé, the MINI Roadster is fitted with an active rear spoiler that’s integrated into the tailgate. It extends automatically as soon as the car reaches 50 mph and drops back at 37 mph, though can also be operated manually.

Electric Power Steering (EPS) with speed-sensitive assistance is standard on the MINI Roadster, for predictable and precise cornering. A Sport button on the centre console, standard on all MINI Roadster models, allows the driver to adjust the car’s steering characteristics and accelerator responses. If the optional six-speed automatic gearbox is specified, pressing this button also shortens shift times.

The standard DSC (Dynamic Stability Control) system selectively brakes individual wheels and reduces engine power to prevent a front or rear-end slide. The system includes ABS anti-lock braking, EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), CBC (Cornering Brake Control), Brake Assist and Hill Start Assistant. DSC also adds DTC (Dynamic Traction Control) with EDLC (Electronic Differential Lock Control) for the driven axle as standard on the MINI John Cooper Works Roadster and as an option on all other model variants.

MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard

All versions of the MINI Roadster come with the brand’s MINIMALISM environmental technology as standard, providing exceptional powertrain efficiency. Features such as Brake Energy Regeneration, Auto Start/Stop, Shift Point Display, Electric Power Steering and the need-based operation of ancillary components help to make efficient use of fuel with low emissions. Additional features include innovative thermal encapsulation of the drivetrain, which shortens the fuel-sapping warm-up period after a cold start.

High standard specification and extensive range of options

The MINI Roadster’s generous list of standard equipment includes speed-sensitive steering assistance, electrically adjustable and heated exterior mirrors, rear Park Distance Control, air conditioning and an audio system with MP3-compatible CD player, DAB radio and AUX IN connection. Safety features include front and head-thorax airbags, an extremely rigid windscreen frame and polished stainless steel roll-over bars for outstanding occupant protection.

MINI’s extension list of desirable optional extras means the comfort and individuality of the Roadster can be enhanced in an almost unlimited number of ways. These include a wide range of entertainment, communication and navigation systems, plus MINI Connected with web radio, Google services, RSS news feeds and in-car access to Facebook and Twitter.

The MINI Roadster is available in two non-metallic and six metallic paint shades. In keeping with British roadster tradition, the roof remains in black. Sport stripes, available in three colours for the bonnet, boot lid and rear apron, allow owners to add an extra personal touch. Alloy wheels of 15, 16 or 17-inch diameter are standard, depending on the model.